Former lawyer Nora Saman’s interest in natural skincare has led to the creation of more than 60 products, writes Kasmiah Mustapha
FIVE years ago, lawyer Nora Saman felt restless and suffered burnout. She wanted a career change but had no idea what to do.
While on vacation in Italy and France, she finally found her calling — making skincare products. She noticed that most households in Europe make and use their own skincare products.
“In Europe, most people don’t use well-known skincare brands because they prefer to make their own. For example, it is a tradition to use leftover olive oil to make soap. I was intrigued as I have very sensitive skin.
“I also learnt basic herbalism and about essential oils. Then, I started to make my own soap from oils of plants. I also made face and body oils.”
It was the beginnings of iL Puro, or The Pure in Italian, which Nora set up in 2012. In the first few months, Nora focused on soap, face and body oils, which she tested on friends and family.
“The response was overwhelming as everyone liked them. My dad is paralysed due to a stroke and is at risk of bedsores and infection. My mother uses the body butter that has cocoa butter, virgin coconut oil and lavender to treat the bedsores.
“My friend suffers from eczema but her condition got better after using the soap. After she posted about it on Facebook, people started to enquire.With the demand, I started selling them online.”
In addition to setting up her own business, Nora wants to raise awareness that chemical-free soap is better for the skin.
“I want to create chemical-free products so that people will stop using those with synthetic ingredients. People love shower gels with lots of foam. But they contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a chemical foaming agent that can damage your skin. The fragrance is also a chemical.
“I always tell customers to read the label. It’s important that we educate ourselves on the ingredients. Don’t just buy the product because it is cheap, has lots of foam and smells nice. You want nice skin but then you are putting chemicals on it.”
MORE PRODUCTS
With the initial success of her soaps, argan oil and body butter, customers are asking for more products.
Each product is created through trial and error. Nora’s knowledge comes from reading widely about making chemical-free skincare products. It is important that she knows the benefits of the ingredients.
“I have read books written by scholars. I read biomedical and science journals, and research aromatherapy. I even read skincare and cosmetics patents. I read ingredients label of established organic brands from France and Australia. I used the information to create my products. I don’t create new ingredients or substance, I buy the ingredients and make my own products.
“It is also important to use ingredients of high quality. For the soaps, I use local coconut, palm oil and olive oil from Spain. I source essential oils of lavender, rosemary, peppermint and bergamot from France and Italy. I buy frankincense oil from Somalia, argan from Morocco, geranium from Egypt and many oils from Australia, Indonesia and India.”
Nora has created 30 therapeutic essential oils for various ailments including for acne, dandruff, sinusitis, sore throat, respiratory congestion and cough. She also has products to promote relaxation, calm nerves, boost immunity and reduce stress.
In 2013, Nora achieved another first — a regenerating face cream. Once again she had turned to books and journals for answers.
“It was a struggle as many things went wrong the first time I tried to make the cream. It was a challenge to find the right ingredients and emulsifier for the water and oil to mix perfectly. But customers’ feedback helped a lot.
“I started the project in 2014 and was only satisfied with the end result last year. Now it is my best-selling product. I am proud of my achievement because not many people make homemademoisturisers.”
HEALTHY BLEND
The regenerating cream contains a blend of pure aromatic essential oils with antioxidant of organic Moroccan argan oil to rehydrate the skin and to rid scars and skin fungal problems.
Nora’s products are not only for beauty but also contain health benefits. For example, the regenerating cream also helps to alleviate anxiety and depression, and has anti-inflammatory effects against eczema and rosacea.
Meanwhile, the Four Thieves oil contains a blend of eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, clove and cinnamonblended with essential oils to boost the immune system against cold and flu.
“Lavender is the main ingredient for many of the products. It is known for its healing properties such as reducing stress and improving one’s mood. When you apply the essential oil with lavender on your skin, it will absorb into the blood stream and you will feel calm over time.”
Nora decided to leave her job in 2015 to focus on iL Puro. It was an easy decision as she has found her passion — making products that she believes in.
At the moment, iL Puro’s products range from body care including soaps, body butter, deodorant; facial care such as face cream, face serum and facial toner; haircare, aromatherapy and ultrasonic diffusers.
“I am the only one involved in the production because I do not want to compromise on quality. I eat, sleep and breathe the products.”
She plans toset up a manufacturing facility and shift production from her house to the factory.
“I am training a chemist to help with quality control.Two pharmacists explain the products to customers at weekend bazaars. I want to have a team to assist me after I set up the factory.”